La Luna (Enrico Casarosa,2011):USA

Reviewed by Jesse Deason. Viewed at Santa Barbara film festival 2012.

La Luna is a story every one of us finds ourselves in at some point in life as we choose our own way. Its was shown on the opening night of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and for good reason. Noone should miss this charming little tale written and directed by Enrico Casarosa based on the his own childhood growing up with his grandfather and father in Spain. Pixar has done an excellent job once again reminiscent of Toy Story 3 and other classics.

La Luna takes us into a young boys life caught between the wills of his father and grandfather. From the first scene where he receives a gift of a cap just like the ones worn by both Patriarchs. However they bicker as to the way it should be worn and we are charmed by the boys desire to please them both.Again and again he seems torn on which one to listen to and in his journey to find his own way we are taken along a path both magical and heartwarming. Although there is no actual dialogue a complex and vivid story is told exceptionally well through music and expressive animation brilliantly worked through Pixar’s master animation team.

This family friendly Pixar animated short will appeal to both parents and  children alike.  This film exudes charm and heart with laugh out loud moments throughout. Some of the best few minutes you could spend at the movies.